I just love summer. Aside from the longer days, jaunts to tropical locales, weekend barbeques and balmy nights out on the town, it’s a season during which my thirst for innovative and utilitarian gadgetry is thoroughly quenched. Indeed, there’s a myriad of totally awesome tech that are particularly well-suited for the summer lifestyle. Here are a few relating to lawn care, skincare, entertainment and edibles that I’ve found to be particularly pleasing.
Rachio Smartphone Sprinkler Controller (www.Rachio.com) – $249.99
Take control of your watering this summer with Rachio, the Smart Sprinkler Controller that gives you control of your sprinklers and watering bill right from your smartphone! The Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller changes the way people water since it makes running sprinklers easy and convenient while also saving on water usage and money. Rachio automatically creates a customized watering schedule using local forecasts, soil and plant types, sun exposure, and more while keeping water conservation and landscaping health in mind. It’ll help keep your yard lush and green all summer long. Go ahead, make your neighbors green with envy with Rachio.
VocoPro KaraokeDual System for SmartTVs and Tablets (www.VocoPro.com) – $229
Here’s a way Karaoke singers can sound their best at home using their mobile tablets and SmartTVs. VocoPro’s KaraokeDual system is a powerful digital “boom box” with high-quality effects to provide the best possible sound. Users can connect to the system through Bluetooth and stream karaoke audio tracks wirelessly. Or, connect the KaraokeDual to an Internet-connected Smart TV using the available digital optical input and access thousands of tracks through YouTube, or popular karaoke apps like “Karaoke Channel” or “Red Karaoke.” Even sing duets with the system’s two wireless vocal microphones bundled in the package. Each mic has the controls built right into the handset for maximum convenience. For more than two decades, the VocoPro name has been synonymous with professional karaoke systems, and still holds the number one spot for high-end professional karaoke products. The company prides itself on providing industry-leading customer service. Now that’s music to my ears.
iBasics Tote Bag with Built-in Speaker (www.Overstock.com) – $50.00
Speaking of music, nothing beats a perfect picnic or beach outing like your favorite tunes playing in the background. Now that’s super easy with the fashionable iBasics Tote Bag with Built-in Speaker, which allows you to make your own background music while carrying your favorite outing essentials, including wet towels and bathing suits since the bag is waterproof. In addition to the detachable battery-powered speaker that plugs right into your audio source, the cute clear blue-tinted tote bag also features a large main zippered compartment and a small zippered side compartment for your smartphone and other small electronics.
Silk’n Flash&Go Express Hair Removal Device (www.Silkn.com) – $299
Of course, in preparation for a day at the beach or pool requires some grooming, including dealing with unwanted body hair. Now you can kick old-school razors to the curb and say goodbye to unwanted hair forever with help from the Silk’n Flash&Go Express. The FDA-cleared device uses patented Home Pulsed Light (HPL) technology and a convenient, compact design to permanently remove hair from head to toe with ease. Simply target the treatment area and let the Flash&Go Express do the rest with gentle pulses of light that disable hair growth at the root. In only two-to-four sessions, the company reports that most users experience visually diminished hair that is comparable to results produced by professionally administered procedures. The best part is you never have to deal with ingrown hairs, razor burn or refill cartridges again! Go ahead, be stubble free forever and make shaving a thing of the past with the Silk’n Flash&Go Express.
Silk’n FaceFX Anti-Aging Device (www.Silkn.com) – $149.00
During those sunny summer months, anti-aging skincare should remain top of mind lest those UV rays get the best of you. Luckily I found the Silk’n FaceFX at-home anti-aging device that uses a synergistic combination of red light therapy and deep thermal heating to stimulate collagen production, diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and provide a brighter, clearer, more radiant complexion. Each session takes only 15-20 minutes and is done just three times per week for the first month, and then merely once per month going forward. The company notes that some results can be seen immediately with the most dramatic changes occurring after three to seven weeks. This clinically tested and dermatologist recommended anti-aging tool can be used on crow’s feet, under the eyes, cheeks and virtually any other problem area. This gadget is a true summer savior.
Silk’n Blue Acne Treatment/Prevention Device (www.Silkn.com) – $149
Another way to save face this season is with a device called Silk’n Blue, which is a revolutionary new way to treat and prevent acne. The clinically proven, dermatologist-recommended and FDA cleared Silk’n Blue at-home device combines the synergistic power of blue light emitting diode (LED) technology and infrared (IR) heat radiation. The device offers a safe, drug-free, non-invasive, gentle and effective way to combat the root causes of both present and future acne. By simply pressing the device down on problem areas, the blue light penetrates the skin to destroy bacteria that lives deep beneath the skin’s surface, while the IR heat initiates deep tissue warming and dehydrates the oil-overproducing sebaceous glands. With regular use, visible results can be seen in as little as three to seven weeks and is a great way to put your best face forward.
Nostalgia Electrics Vintage Collection Old-fashioned 6-quart Wood Bucket Ice Cream Maker (www.Overstock.com) – $93.45
Create your own chocolate ice cream, peach frozen yogurt, vanilla gelato and more with this Nostalgia Electrics ice cream maker. Designed to make up to six quarts of dessert (ice cream, frozen yogurt or gelato) at a time, this adorable Vintage-styled electric ice cream maker features an old-fashioned woodgrain appearance. The aluminum canister is rust-resistant and, with hits large capacity, you can entertain several guests or family members in one go. Use ingredients right from local market for fresh homemade treats this season and beyond!
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“The Luxe List” Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided and/or sponsored to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***